Editing device capable of changing the displaying mode of management information

ABSTRACT

Management information is read from an information storage medium having the management information recorded thereon, the management information including track number information imparted to at least one track and group management information for managing as selective recording information one or a plurality of tracks as one group. Judgment is then made upon whether the group management information is included in that management information. A display mode is changed depending on a case where the group management information is recorded and a case where it is not recorded, and it is then displayed in a displaying device.

This is a divisional application of prior application Ser. no.09/990,343, filed on Nov. 23, 2001 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,145,839, which isincorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an information displaying/reproducingdevice capable of displaying management information recorded on aninformation storage medium, an information editing device capable ofefficiently editing the management information, and an informationrecording device provided with a device for imparting track numberinformation for each track recorded on an information storage medium.

2. Description of the Related Art

As an information recording medium in which music information and imageinformation are recorded, a tape shaped information recording mediumrepresented by a cassette tape, a DAT (digital audio tape), 8 mm tapeand the like, and a disc information recording medium represented by anLD (laser disc), a CD (compact disc), an MD (mini disc), a DVD (digitalversatile disc) and the like are known.

In recent years, writing and rewriting of information have been madepossible in the disc information recording medium, and it has been.remarkably spread combined with an advantage of quick access to therecorded information.

When music (hereinafter, simply described as “tune”) is recorded in thedisc information recording medium, one tune is made to be a unit calleda “track”, for example, and it can be controlled by attaching tracknumber information. Such track number information is included in controlinformation called a TOC (Table of content) recorded in the innermostperipheral part of the disc together with information to controlrecording data such as a disc name, a tune name, a tune number, a totalplaying time, a starting position and an ending position of the tune onthe disc (a starting time and an ending time in the case of controllingthe position by time information) and the like. When a user reproduces arecorded song, he/she can operate the recording/reproducing editingapparatus for a disc and select a recorded song by specifying such tracknumber information. Such management information is displayed on, e.g., adisplay unit of the disc recording/reproducing device. Further, in caseof reproducing a recorded song, the user can select the recorded song byspecifying track number information displayed on the display unit or asong name.

Meanwhile, with improvement in the information recording density to thedisc type information storage medium or establishment of a newinformation compression mode, a number of songs which can be recorded onone disc type information storage medium can be outstandingly increased.For example, in case of the MD, there has been conventionally adopted aninformation compression mode called ATRAC (Adaptive Transform AcousticCoding). In recent years, however, an MDLP standard for performinginformation recording by an information compression mode referred to asATRAC3 having the twofold or fourfold compression efficiency of that ofthe conventional mode has been established. According to this ATRAC3, inthe MD whose normal recording time is 80 minutes, up to 320-minuterecording is enabled in the fourfold mode. According to such a newinformation compression mode, even if the time of one song isapproximately five minutes, approximately 60 songs can be recorded onthe disc.

When a very large number of songs can be recorded in this manner,however, selecting a song displayed on the display unit takes a lot oftroubles when a user reproduces a recorded song. As a countermeasure,there has been proposed a method by which a user can collect one or aplurality of songs to form a group and manage songs in accordance witheach group (which will be referred to as “group management”hereinafter). In such group management, information such as the samegroup name is given to songs belonging to the same group, and theinformation such as a group name is recorded at the innermostcircumference portion of the disc as group management informationtogether with the track number information. Furthermore, for example,when the disc is inserted into a disc recording/reproducing device, thegroup management information is read from the disc and displayed in agroup selection screen of the display unit. When a user specifies adesired group on the group selection screen, a screen for selecting asong belonging to that group or the like is displayed. Therefore, sincethe user can first specify a desired group and then select a songbelonging to that group, a song can be efficiently selected.

If a number of songs to be recorded is small, however, it is notnecessary to venture to conduct group management, and whether groupmanagement is performed is decided by a selection of a user. Therefore,both a disc on which the Group management information is recorded and adisc having no such information recorded thereon exist, and it can beconsidered that judgment must be rapidly made upon whether it is a discunder group management. Moreover, for example, when a disc having thegroup management information recorded thereon is inserted into the diskrecording/reproducing device, it can be considered that the groupselection screen displaying no group management information isdisplayed. In such a case, a user must perform the unproductiveoperation, namely, switching to another screen each time.

In addition, when a very large number of songs can be recorded in thisway, it is extremely difficult for a user to memorize the correspondencerelationship of the track number information and songs Therefore, whenediting a reproduction order of songs or the like, a user gets confused,resulting in excessive operation loads.

Additionally, when a very large number of songs can be recorded in thismanner, decision on a recording order of songs or management of recordedsongs becomes very troublesome. For example, in case of dubbing songs invarious genres (for example, rock, pops, classical and others) from aplurality of CDs to one MD, it can be usually considered that a usercollects and records desired songs in accordance with each genre. Atthis moment, however, determining a reproduction order of respectivegenres or a reproduction order of songs in each genre in advance isburdensome. Further, even if recording is performed in the predeterminedreproduction order of the respective genres or the predeterminedreproduction order of songs, a user may thereafter possibly change thereproduction order of the respective genres or that of the songs. Ifsuch an order is changed, excessive operation loads are given to theuser.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the above-described problems, it is an object of the presentinvention to provide an information displaying/reproducing devicecapable of causing a user to rapidly perceive a difference in managementinformation recorded on an information storage medium and reducingoperation loads with respect to the user.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an informationdisplaying/reproducing device capable of reducing operation loads to auser when editing management information recorded on an informationstorage medium.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide aninformation recording device capable of efficiently managing a recordedtrack and reducing operation loads to a user.

The above object of the present invention can be achieved by aninformation displaying/reproducing apparatus is provided with: a readingdevice for reading management information from an information storagemedium having said management information recorded thereon, saidmanagement information including track number information imparted to atleast one track and group management information for managing, as aselective recording information, one or a plurality of tracks as onegroup; and a displaying device for displaying said read managementinformation, wherein said information displaying/recording devicefurther comprising a display controlling device for determining whethersaid group management information is recorded on said informationstorage medium, changing a display mode depending on a case where saidgroup management information is recorded and a case where it is notrecorded, and displaying it in said displaying device.

According to the present invention, management information is read froman information storage medium having the management informationincluding track number information given to at least one track and groupmanagement information for managing as selective recording informationone or a plurality of tracks as one group recorded thereon. Further,judgment is made upon whether the group management information exists inthe management information, and a display mode is changed depending on acase where the group management information is recorded and a case whereit is not recorded, and the management information is displayed in thedisplaying device. Therefore, a user can be caused to rapidly perceive adifference in the recorded management information, namely, whether thegroup management information is recorded on the information storagemedium. Furthermore, even in case of the information storage mediumhaving no group management information recorded thereon, the managementinformation is displayed in the display mode corresponding to such aninformation storage medium. Thus, a user does not have to carry out theunfruitful operation, thereby reducing the operation loads to the user.

In one aspect of the present invention, when it is determined that saidgroup management information is recorded on said information storagemedium, said display controlling device creates a list of groupinformation recorded on said information storage medium and displays itin said displaying device.

According to this aspect, when the group management information isrecorded, the listed group information (for example, group nameinformation) is displayed, and a user can hence rapidly select a group.

In another aspect of the present invention, when it is determined thatsaid group management information is not recorded on said informationstorage medium, said display controlling device immediately displayssaid track number information recorded on said information storagemedium in said displaying device.

According to this aspect, if the group management information is notrecorded, since the track number information is immediately displayed inthe displaying device, a user does not have to perform the unproductiveoperation, thereby reducing the operation loads to the user.

The above object of the present invention can be achieved by aninformation displaying/reproducing apparatus is provided with: a readingdevice for reading management information from an information storagemedium having said management information recorded thereon, saidmanagement information including track number information imparted to atleast one track and group management information for managing asselective recording information one or a plurality of tracks as onegroup; an operating device for giving a predetermined operationinstruction to said information displaying/reproducing apparatus; and afunction controlling device for determining whether said groupmanagement information is recorded on said information storage mediumand changing an operation function mode of said operating devicedepending on a case where said group management information is recordedand a case where it is not recorded.

According to the present invention, the management information is readfrom the information storage medium having the management informationrecorded thereon, the management information including track numberinformation given to at least one track and group management informationfor managing as selective recording information one or a plurality oftracks as one group. Moreover, judgment is made upon whether the groupmanagement information is included in the management information, and anoperation function mode of the operating means is changed depending on acase where the group management information is recorded and a case whereit is not recorded. Therefore, since the operation function mode of theoperating means is automatically changed depending on the case where thegroup management information is recorded and the case where it is notrecorded, a user does not have to perform the unproductive operation,thereby reducing the operation loads to the user.

The above object of the present invention can be achieved by aninformation displaying/reproducing apparatus for displaying track numberinformation imparted in accordance with each track recorded on aninformation storage medium, wherein when a logical position of saidtrack is changed, track number information before said change and tracknumber information after said change are associated with each other anddisplayed.

According to the present invention, when a logical position of the trackis changed, since the track number information before the change and thetrack number information after the change are associated with each otherand displayed, a user can comprehend the state before the change andefficiently edit without being confused.

In one aspect of the present invention, said track number informationafter said change is displayed in the order of its numbers.

According to this aspect, since the track number information after thechange can be displayed in the order of its numbers, it is possible tofurther efficiently perform editing.

The above object of the present invention can be achieved by aninformation displaying/reproducing apparatus for displaying track numberinformation imparted in accordance with each track recorded on aninformation storage medium and group management information for managingone or a plurality of said tracks as one group, wherein when a logicalposition of said track is changed, track number information and groupmanagement information before said change and track number informationand group management information after said change are associated witheach other and displayed.

According to the present invention, when a logical position of the trackis changed, since the track number information and the group managementinformation before the change and the track number information and thegroup management information after the change are associated with eachother and displayed, a user can comprehend the state before the changeand can efficiently perform editing without being confused.

In one aspect of the present invention, said track number informationafter said change is displayed in the order of its numbers.

According to this aspect, since the track number information after thechange is displayed in the order of its numbers, it is possible tofurther efficiently perform editing.

The above object of the present invention can be achieved by aninformation editing apparatus for editing management information to berecorded on an information storage medium, said management informationincluding track number information imparted to one track and groupmanagement information for managing one or a plurality of said tracks asone group, wherein when an editing instruction is issued in order tochange a logical position of said track belonging to one group, thecorrespondence relationship of said track number information and saidgroup management information is automatically edited in accordance witha new logical position of said track.

According to the present invention, when the editing instruction isissued in order to change a logical position of a track belonging to onegroup, that track is changed to a specified logical position. Then, inaccordance with the new logical position of the track, thecorrespondence relationship between the track number information and thegroup management information is automatically edited. That is, based ona predetermined rule according to the new logical position of the track,the correspondence relationship between the track number information andthe group management information is automatically edited. Therefore,since a user himself/herself does not have to edit the correspondencerelationship between the track number information and the groupmanagement information after changing the logical position of the track,the operation loads to the user can be reduced. Here, the logicalposition does not mean a recording position itself on the informationstorage medium but a relative position managed by giving the tracknumber information or the group information (for example, group nameinformation).

In one aspect of the present invention, said new logical position isincluded in an existing group which already exists, said existing groupis divided into a plurality of groups.

According to this aspect, when the new logical position of the track isin the existing group which has already existed, the existing group isautomatically divided, and the correspondence relationship between thetrack number information and the group management information isautomatically edited, thereby further reducing the operation loads to auser.

In another aspect of the present invention, different sets of groupinformation are imparted to a plurality of said groups.

According to this aspect, since the respective different sets of groupinformation (for example, group name information) are given to aplurality of the groups, a user can efficiently specify a desired group.

In further aspect of the present invention, the same group informationis imparted to a plurality of said groups.

According to this aspect, since the same group information (for example,group name information) is given to a plurality of the groups, a usercan efficiently manage a desired group.

The above object of the present invention can be achieved by aninformation editing apparatus for editing management information to berecorded on an information storage medium, said management informationincluding track number information imparted to one track and groupmanagement information for managing one or a plurality of said tracks asone group, wherein an editing instruction is issued in order to cause atrack belonging to one group to belong to another group, track numberinformation imparted to tracks remaining said one group is changed.

According to the present invention, when an editing instruction isissued in order that a track belonging to one group is caused to belongto another group, that track is changed so as to belong to a specifieddifferent track. Then, the track number information given to the tracksremaining in the one group is changed. Therefore, a user himself/herselfdoes not have to change the track number information with respect to thetracks remaining in the one group, thereby reducing the operation loadsto the user.

The above object of the present invention can be achieved by aninformation editing apparatus for editing management information to berecorded on an information storage medium, said management informationincluding track number information imparted to one track and groupmanagement information for managing one or a plurality of said tracks asone group, wherein when an editing instruction is issued in order tocause a track belonging to one group to belong to another group, tracknumber information imparted to said track caused to belong to saidanother group is changed.

According, to the present invention, when an editing instruction isissued in order that a track belonging to one group is caused to belongto a different group, that track is changed to belong to a specifieddifferent track. Then, the track number information given to the trackcaused to belong to the different track is changed. Therefore, a userhimself/herself does not have to change the track number informationwith respect to the track caused to belong to the different group,thereby reducing the operation loads to the user.

In one aspect of the present invention, with said editing instruction,said track number information of said track belonging to one group andgroup information of other groups are specified.

According to this aspect, since the track number information of thetrack belonging to the one group can be specified, the specified trackcan be efficiently caused to belong to the different group.

In another aspect of the present invention, with said editinginstruction, group information of one group and group information ofother groups are specified.

According to this aspect, since the group information (for example,group name information) of the one group can be specified, the trackbelonging to the specified group can be further efficiently(collectively) caused to belong to the different group.

The above object of the present invention can be achieved by aninformation editing apparatus for editing management information to berecorded on an information storage medium, said management informationincluding track number information imparted to one track and groupmanagement information for managing one or a plurality of said tracks asone group, wherein when an editing instruction is issued in order tointegrate a plurality of groups into one group, track number informationimparted to a track caused to belong to said integrated group ischanged.

According to the present invention, when an editing instruction isissued in order to integrate a plurality of groups into one group, aplurality of specified groups are integrated into one group. Then, thetrack number information given to the tracks caused to belong to theintegrated group is changed. Therefore, a user himself/herself does nothave to change the track number information with respect to the trackscaused to belong to the integrated group, thereby reducing the operationloads to the user.

The above object of the present invention can be achieved by aninformation editing apparatus for editing management information to berecorded on an information storage medium, said management informationincluding track number information imparted to one track and groupmanagement information for managing one or a plurality of said tracks asone group, wherein when an editing instruction is issued in order togroup-manage a track which is not under group management, a new group iscreated, said track is allocated to said created group, and a tracknumber imparted to said track which is allocated to said new group andis not under said group management is changed.

According to the present invention, when an editing instruction isissued in order to perform group management of tracks which are notunder group management, a new group is created, and the tracks which arenot under the group management are allocated to the created group. Then,the track number information given to the tracks caused to belong to thenew group is changed. Therefore, a user himself/herself does not have tochange the track number information with respect to the tracks caused tobelong to the new group, thereby reducing the operation loads to theuser,

The above object of the present invention can be achieved by aninformation recording apparatus comprising an information impartingdevice for imparting track number information in accordance with eachtrack to be recorded on an information storage medium and groupinformation included in group management information for managing one ora plurality of tracks as one group, wherein every time one track isrecorded on said information storage medium, said information impartingdevice imparts group information to said track.

According to the present invention, every time one track is recorded,the group information is given to that track. Therefore, a user canefficiently manage the recorded tracks based on the group informationgiven to each track (for example, a song) after recording, therebyreducing the operation loads to the user.

In one aspect of the present invention, every time said one track isrecorded, said group information imparted to said track is groupinformation of a group which already exists on said information storagemedium.

According to this aspect, a newly recorded track and tracks belonging tothe already existing group can be collectively managed.

In another aspect of the present invention, every time said one track isrecorded, said group information imparted to said track is groupinformation of a new group.

According to this aspect, a newly recorded track can be managedseparately from tracks belonging to the existing group.

In further aspect of the present invention, every time said one track isrecorded, track number information is imparted to said track.

According to this aspect, the recorded track can be further efficientlymanaged by utilizing the group information and the track numberinformation.

In further aspect of the present invention, every time said one track isrecorded, group information and track number information are imparted tosaid track, and thereafter track number information imparted to eachtrack is changed by utilizing said imparted group information.

According to this aspect, since the track number information isautomatically re-imparted by utilizing the given group information,thereby reducing the operation loads to the user.

In further aspect of the present invention, every time said one track isrecorded, group information and track number information are imparted tosaid track, grouping editing is then carried out so that tracks havingthe same imparted group information form one group, and track numberinformation imparted to each track is changed based on said editing.

According to this aspect, since the tracks are collected and edited inaccordance with the same group and the track number information isre-imparted to the tracks based on editing, a user can record the trackswithout considering the order of recording for example, thereby reducingthe operation loads to the user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a view showing a schematic structural example of a magneticoptical disc recording/reproducing device according an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2A is a view showing the relationship (logical structure) of a discname, group name information, track number information and a track(song) in TOC when group management information is not included, andFIG. 2B is a view showing the relationship (logical structure) between adisc name, group name information, track number information and a track(song) in TOC when group management information is included;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing display control and a function controlprocessing routine according to a first embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 4A is a view showing a display screen example displayed in adisplay portion when the group management information is not included inTOC in the first embodiment according to the present invention, and FIG.4B is a view showing a display screen example displayed in a displayportion when the group management information is included in TOC in thefirst embodiment according to the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a display processing routine at the timeof TOC editing when the group management information is not includedaccording to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6A is a view (part 1) showing a display screen example of thedisplay portion when the group management information is not included inthe second embodiment according to the present invention, FIG. 6B is aview (part 2) showing the display screen example, FIG. 6C is a view(part 3) showing the display screen example, FIG. 6D is a view (part 4)showing the display screen example, and FIG. 6E is a view (part 5)showing the display screen example;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a display processing routine at the timeof TOC editing when the group management information is included in thesecond embodiment according to the present invention;

FIG. 8A is a view (part 1) showing a display screen example of thedisplay portion when the group management information is included in thesecond embodiment according to the present invention, FIG. 8B is a view(part 2) showing the display screen example, FIG. 8C is a view (part 3)showing the display screen example, FIG. 8D is a view (part 4) showingthe display screen example, and FIG. 8E is a view (part 5) showing thedisplay screen example;

FIG. 9A is a view (part 1) showing the mode when a song specified by auser is moved to a logical position desired by the user from thestructure illustrated in FIG. 2B according to a third embodiment of thepresent invention, FIG. 9B is a view (part 2) showing the mode, and FIG.9C is a view (part 3) showing the mode;

FIG. 10A is a view (part 4) showing the mode when a song specified by auser is moved to a logical position desired by the user from thestructure depicted in FIG. 2B according the third embodiment of thepresent invention, FIG. 10B is a view (part 5) showing the mode, andFIG. 10C is a view (part 6) showing the mode;

FIG. 11A is a view showing the structure of TOC before moving a group inthe third embodiment according to the present invention, FIG. 11B is aview (part 1) showing the mode when a group specified by a user to alogical position desired by the user from the structure illustrated inFIG. 11A, and FIG. 11C is a view (part 2) showing the mode;

FIG. 12A is a view (part 3) showing the mode when the group specified bythe user is moved to the logical position desired by the user from thestructure depicted in FIG. 11A, FIG. 12B is a view (part 4) showing themode, and FIG. 12C is a view (part 5) showing the mode;

FIG. 13A is a view (part 1) showing the mode when group name informationis given to a plurality of songs which are not under group managementaccording to the third embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 13B isa view (part 2) showing the mode, FIG. 13C is a view (part 3) showingthe mode, and FIG. 13D is a view (part 4) showing the mode;

FIG. 14A is a view (part 1) showing the mode when a plurality of groupsare integrated into some groups according to the third embodiment of thepresent invention, FIG. 14B is a view (part 2) showing the mode, FIG.14C is a view (part 3) showing the mode, and FIG. 14D is a view (part 4)showing the mode;

FIG. 15 is a flowchart (part 1) showing a TOC editing processing routinewhen moving a track (song) according to the third embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 16 is a flowchart (part 2) showing the TOC editing processingroutine when moving the track (song) according to the third embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a flowchart (part 3) showing the TOC editing processingroutine when moving the track (song) according to the third embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the TOC editing processing routine whengrouping tracks (songs) according to the third embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a TOC giving/editing processing routineaccording to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 20 is a view showing an example of a change in the logicalstructure of TOC in the TOC giving/editing processing according to thefourth embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Preferred embodiments according to the present invention will now bedescribed with reference to the accompanying drawings. The followingdescribes the embodiments when the information displaying/reproducingdevice according to the present invention is applied to a magneticoptical disc recording/reproducing device.

First Embodiment

FIG. 1 shows a schematic structural example of a magnetic optical discrecording/reproducing apparatus according to an embodiment of thepresent invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the magnetic optical discrecording/reproducing apparatus 100 is configured to include aninformation recording/reproducing unit 50, a system controller 51, aninput portion 52 and a display unit 53, and these portions are connectedas shown in the drawing.

The information recording/reproducing unit 50 includes: anon-illustrated spindle motor for driving to rotate a magnetic opticaldisc 20; an optical pickup 2; an RF amplifier 7; an ADIP decoder 6; anEFM encoder/decoder 9; a magnetic head 3; a head drive circuit 5; a DRAM(Dynamic Random Access Memory) 12; a DPAN control circuit 11; a datacompression encoder/decoder 13; and a servo control circuit 8.

The optical pickup 2 includes: a non-illustrated laser diode foremitting a laser beam; various kinds of splitters for splitting anoutgoing beam from the laser diode and a reflected light ray from themagnetic optical disc 20 in accordance with each purpose; a detector forconverting the reflected light from the magnetic optical disc 20 or thelight split by the various kinds of splitters into an electrical signal;and an actuator for focusing the laser beam with respect to the magneticoptical disc 20 or positioning the laser beam on an information track.

The RF amplifier 7 generates various signals satisfying each purposefrom various kinds of electrical signals from the optical pickup 2.

The ADIP decoder 6 detects address information of the magnetic opticaldisc 20 from a wobble signal. It is to be noted that the wobble signalis a signal extracting wobble of a group (groove) recorded on themagnetic optical disc 20 in advance and is generated by the RF amplifier7.

In case of reproducing information recorded on the magnetic optical disc20, the EFM encoder/decoder 9 performs EFM (Eight to FourteenModulation) demodulation with respect to data of an RF (Radio Frequency)signal generated by the RF amplifier 7. This RF signal is obtained byextracting a signal recorded on the magnetic optical disc 20. Further,in case of recording information on the magnetic optical disc 20, theEFM encoder/decoder 9 has a function for performing EFM modulation withrespect to data from the DRAM 12 which will be described later.

When recording information on the magnetic optical disc 20, the magnetichead 3 applies a magnetic field to a magnetic film of the magneticoptical disc 20 heated to the Curie temperature or above by the laserbeam.

The head drive circuit 5 determines a direction of the magnetic fieldwith respect to the magnetic-head 3 in accordance with data to which EFMmodulation has been applied by the EFM encoder/decoder 9, and drives themagnetic head 3.

In case of reproducing information from the magnetic optical disc 20,the DRAM 12 stores therein the data which has been EFM-demodulated bythe EFM encoder/decoder 9. Furthermore, in case of recording informationon the magnetic optical disc 20, the DRAM 12 stores therein datacompressed by the later-described data compression encoder/decoder 13.

The DRAM control circuit 11 controls input/output of data to/from theDRAM 12.

When reproducing information from the magnetic optical disc 20, the datacompression encoder/decoder 13 uncompresses data from the DRAM 12 andoutputs the uncompressed signal from the output portion 15. Moreover,when recording information on the magnetic optical disc 20, the datacompression encoder/decoder 13 compresses a signal from the inputportion 14 and outputs it to the DRAM 12.

The servo control circuit 8 controls the spindle motor, anon-illustrated carriage motor for driving the optical pickup 2 in theradial direction or an actuator for the optical pickup 2.

It is to be noted that illustrations of an A/D converter for convertingan analog signal into a digital signal and a D/A converter forconverting a digital signal into an analog signal are omitted.

The system controller 51 includes a CPU 51 a, a ROM 51 b, a RAM 51 c anda VRAM 51 d, and controls respective constituent parts in theinformation recording/reproducing unit 50. In addition, the systemcontroller 51 records, reads and reproduces information to the magneticoptical disc 20. Additionally, the CPU 51 a of the system controller 51has functions as a display controlling device and a function controllingdevice which are characteristic parts of the present invention, andcontrols display modes of the display unit 53 based on managementinformation called TOC. Also, it controls operation function modes oflater-described operation buttons provided to the input portion 52.Further, such TOC is recorded at the innermost circumference part of themagnetic optical disc. The ROM 51 b stores therein a display control orfunction control processing program or the like, and the RAM 51 c ismainly used-as a work area. Furthermore, the VRAM 51 d stores thereindisplay screen data displayed in the display unit 53. The input unit 52has a function as an operating unit for giving various operationinstructions from a user. The display unit 53 has a function as adisplaying device in the present invention and mainly displaysinformation in TOC.

Detailed description will now be given as to control over display modesof the display portion 53 and the operation function modes carried outbased on the TOC.

The logical structure of the TOC will be first described with referenceto FIGS. 2A and 2B. The TOC according to this embodiment is comprised ofmanagement information such as a disc name, track number informationgiven to one track, song names, a number of songs, performance times andothers as well as group management information including group nameinformation and others. The group management information indicatesinformation generated in order to manage one or a plurality of tracks asone group. The group management information is, however, selectiverecording information, and it may or may not be included in the TOC.When the group management information is included in the TOC, the group(group name information) and the track number information are associatedwith each other by the group management information. Incidentally, whenthe group name information is given to tracks belonging to a specificgroup, there are a method for giving to each of the tracks informationindicative of which group each track belongs to and a method for givingto each group information indicating which track belongs to that group.In case of the former method, the group management information takes themode <<TNO 1/Group A, TNO 2/Group B, TNO 3/Group A, TNO 4/Group B, TNO5/Group C>>. In case of the latter method, the group managementinformation takes the mode <<Group A/TNO 1 & TNO 2 & TNO 3, Group B/TNO4 & TNO 5>>. It is to be noted that meanings of “TNO 1” or “Group A”will be described later. Furthermore, a user can associate the tracknumber information, the song names, the group name information with thetracks (songs) and arbitrarily give them from the input portion 52.

FIG. 2A is a view showing the relationship (logical structure) of a discname, track number information and tracks (songs) in the TOC when thegroup management information is not included. In FIG. 2A, “Disc” denotesa disc name. “TON 1” indicates track number information having a number“1” (TONs 2, 3, . . . also indicate track number information havingrespective numbers). “a” designates a track having a name “a” (here, asong called “a”) (b, c, d, . . . also indicate songs having respectivenames). When special reproduction such as program reproduction or randomreproduction is not specified, songs are reproduced in the order of thetrack number information (starting from a small number toward largernumbers) (which is the same in case of FIG. 2B).

On the other hand, FIG. 2B is a view showing the relationship (logicalstructure) of a disc name, group name information, track numberinformation and tracks (songs) in the TOC when the group managementinformation is included. In FIG. 2B, “Group A” indicates a group managedunder a name “A” (Groups B, C, D, . . . also indicate groups managedunder respective names). In the example shown in FIG. 2B, the Groups Aand the Group B are registered in one Disc, and a song “a” having TON 1given thereto, a song “b” having TON 2 given thereto and a song “c”having TON 3 given thereto belong to the Group A, and a song “d” havingTON 4 given thereto and a song “e” having TON 5 given thereto belong tothe Group B. In this manner, when the group management information isincluded, the recorded songs are under group management.

Description will now be given as to display control and function controlprocessing by the CPU 51 a when controlling the display modes of thedisplay unit 53 and the operation function modes with reference to FIGS.3 and 4. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing display control and a functioncontrol processing routine of the CPU 51 a.

In display control and function control processing shown in FIG. 3, whenthe magnetic optical disc 20 is first inserted into the magnetic opticaldisc recording/reproducing apparatus 100, the CPU 51 a reads the TOCfrom the innermost circumference part of the magnetic optical disc andstores it in the RAM 51 a (step S1). Then, the CPU 51 a determineswhether there is group management information in the read TOC (step S2).If it is determined that there is no group management information, theCPU 51 a reads display screen data from the VRAM 51 d and displays it inthe display unit 53. Also, the CPU 51 a reads track number informationfrom the RAM 51 a and displays it on the display screen (step S3). Then,the CPU 51 a sets the operation function for absence of the groupmanagement information with respect to the later-described operationbuttons 70 of the input unit 52 (step S5). On the other hand, if it isdetermined that there is the group management information, the CPU 51 areads display screen data from the VRAM 51 d and displays it in thedisplay unit 53. Also, the CPU 51 a reads the group managementinformation from the RAM 51 a, creates a list of that information anddisplays it on the display screen (step S4). Subsequently, the CPU 51 asets the operation function for absence of the group managementinformation with respect the later-described operation buttons 70 of theinput portion 52 (step S6). As described above, the CPU 51 a changes thedisplay mode depending on the case where the group managementinformation is recorded and the case where the same is not recorded anddisplays it in the display unit 53. Further, the CPU 51 a also changesthe function set to the respective operation buttons 70 of the inputunit 52 depending on the case where the group management information isrecorded and the case where the same is not recorded.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show display screen examples displayed in the displayunit 53 in the above-described manner. Furthermore, the operationbuttons 70 are shown at the lower part of the display unit 53. FIG. 4Ashows a display screen 54 when the group management information is notrecorded, and a section denoted by reference numeral 55 immediatelydisplays track number information of TNO. 1 (first song) as well as acorresponding song name (AAAAA). Moreover, a section denoted byreference numeral 56 in the display screen 54 in FIG. 4A displays tracknumber information of a song which is in the reproduction process and areproduction time. In this case, reproduction of the song (track) isperformed from the TNO. 1 by inputting a reproduction start instructionfrom the input portion. 52, In addition, in the screen 54 shown in FIG.4A are displayed a random key 57, a repeat key 58 and a scan key 57 soas to be positioned to the operation buttons 70 of the input unit 52arranged in the vicinity of the lower part of the display unit 53. Whenthe operation buttons 70 corresponding to such keys are pressed, randomreproduction of songs, repeated reproduction of songs, and others arecarried out.

On the other hand, FIG. 4B shows a display screen 54 when the groupmanagement information is recorded, and a part denoted by referencenumeral 60 displays a list of the group management information. In thedisplay screen 54 shown in FIG. 4B are displayed five sets of the groupname information (“Group A”, “Group B”, “NO NAME”, “Group C” and “GroupD”) in the list 60, and a number indicative of the reproduction order isdisplayed on the left side of each group name information.

Here, although “NO NAME” displayed in the part 60 a is under groupmanagement, the group name information is not given to “NO NAME” by auser. Moreover, although nothing is displayed in a part denoted byreference numeral 60 b, this means that a track (song) which is notunder group management exists. In addition, function keys 61 aredisplayed at the lower part of the display screen 51 shown in FIG. 4B soas to be positioned to the operation buttons 70 of the input unit 52.

Numbers of the function keys 61 correspond to numbers indicative of thereproduction order in the list 60. Additionally, when a number of thefunction keys 61 is selected by pressing the operation button 70 of theinput unit 52, a group to be reproduced at first can be specified. Thefunction keys 62 are used for displaying in the list 60 the groupmanagement information which is not currently shown in the list with thenumber indicative of the reproduction order being “7” or subsequentnumbers.

As described above, according to this embodiment, a user can 10 becaused to immediately perceive presence/absence of the group managementinformation by changing the display mode or the operation functiondepending on presence/absence of the croup management information.Further, when the group management information is not recorded, sincethe unproductive operation such as switching of screens by a user can beeliminated, the operation loads to the user can be reduced. Furthermore,when the group management information is recorded, since the groupmanagement information is listed and displayed so as to be selectable,the group can be rapidly selected.

Second Embodiment

A second embodiment according to the present invention will now bedescribed with reference to FIGS. 5 to 8. It is to be noted that likereference numerals denote parts common to the first embodiment, therebyomitting their explanation.

In this embodiment, the information displaying/reproducing deviceaccording to the present invention is applied to the magnetic opticaldisc recording/reproducing device mentioned above, The CPU 51 aaccording to this embodiment executes editing processing of the TOC anddisplay processing at the time of that editing. Therefore, the ROM 51 bin this embodiment stores therein an editing processing program, adisplay processing program and others.

In the logical structure of the TOC described with reference to FIGS. 2Aand 2B, a user can specify track number information of a song from theinput unit 52 and moves it to a desired position. Here, movement doesnot means that song data itself recorded on the magnetic optical discchanges a recording position on that disc, but means that the tracknumber information given to the track (song) is changed. That is, whenspecial reproduction such as program reproduction or random reproductionis not specified, reproduction is carried out in the order of the tracknumber information (from a small number toward larger numbers). However,it is as if the order of recording of song data is varied by a change inthe track number information. As a result, movement of the track (song)in this embodiment means a change in the logical position of the track(song).

Further, in the TOC editing processing, when a song specified from theinput unit 52 is moved to a specified position, the track numberinformation is automatically re-imparted. Re-imparting has thecontinuity that the track number information increases from the firstnumber to the last number, and is executed based on a rule that a vacantnumber is admitted.

Description will now be given as to display processing at the time ofTOC editing by the CPU 51 a when the group management information is notincluded in the TOC with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. FIG. 5 is aflowchart showing a display processing routine at the time of TOCediting. FIG. 6 show display screen examples of the display unit 53. Inthe display processing shown in FIG. 5, the CPU 51 a first reads TOCfrom the magnetic optical disc 20 and temporarily stores it in the RAM51 c (step S11). Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6A, the CPU 51 a displaysthe TNOs and song names as shown in FIG. 6A (step S12). In the exampleof FIG. 6A, TNOs are displayed in the order of numbers, and a name of asong corresponding to each TNO is displayed below that TNO.

Subsequently, when a user sees a display content of the display unit 53and specifies the TNO of a song to be moved and its destination (logicalposition ) from the input unit 52, for example, specifies to move thesong “b” of the TNO. 2 to the position between the song “d” of the TNO.4 and the song “e” of the TNO. 5 as shown in FIG. 6B, the CPU 51 arecognizes it (step S13) and executes the editing processing (step S14).That is, the CPU 51 a performs the processing for moving the song “b” ofthe specified TNO. 2 to the specified destination, and re-imparts thetrack number information to all the songs after movement. Then, as shownin FIG. 6C, the CPU 51 a displays in such a manner that the TNOs givento all the songs when the management information is recorded in the RAM51 c at the step S11 (which will be referred to as “sold TNOs”hereinafter) are associated with the TNOs newly given to all the songsafter moving the specified song (which will be referred to as “new TNOs”hereinafter), and displays song names of songs corresponding to thoseTNOs (step S15). In the example of FIG. 6C, the new TNOs, the old TNOsand the song names are displayed in the order of the new TNOs. Moreover,when a user specifies the TNO of a song to be moved and a destination(logical position) from the input unit 52, for example, specifies tomove the song “d” of the new TNO. 3 to a position before the song “a” ofthe new TNO. 1 as shown in FIG. 6D, the CPU 51 a executes the editingprocessing at the step S4 and displays the new TNOs, the old TNOs andsong names as shown in FIG. 6E. Then, when a user gives, e.g., an ejectinstruction from the input unit 52, the CPU 51 a recognizes it (stepS16), and records the TOC edited at the innermost circumference part ofthe magnetic optical disc 20 (step S17).

In this manner, even if editing is repeatedly carried out, the old TNOsare displayed together with the new TNOs. A user can, therefore,comprehend the state of songs before editing and efficiently performediting without being confused.

Description will now be given as to display processing by the CPU 51 aat the time of TOC editing when the group management information isincluded in the TOC with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. FIG. 7 is aflowchart showing a display processing routine at the time of TOCediting. FIGS. 8 show display screen examples of the display unit 53. Inthe display processing shown in FIG. 7, the CPU 51 a first reads the TOCfrom the magnetic optical disc 20 and temporarily stores it in the RAM51 c (step S21). Also, as shown in FIG. 8A, the CPU 51 a displays theTNOs, the Groups (group name information) and song names in the displayportion 53 (step S22). In the example of FIG. 8A, the TNOs are displayedin the order of numbers, and a song name of a song corresponding to eachTNO is displayed below that TNO. Further, in the example of FIG. 8A, thegroup name information to which that song belongs is displayed betweenthe TNO and the song name.

Subsequently, when a user sees the display content of the display unit53 and specifies the TNO of a song to be moved and a destination(logical position) from the input unit 52, for example, specifies tomove the song “b” of the TNO. 2 belonging to the Group A to a positionbetween the song “d” of the TNO. 4 and the song “e” of the TNO. 5 of theGroup B as shown in FIG. 8B, the CPU 51 a recognizes it (step S23) andexecutes the editing processing (step S24). That is, the CPU 51 aregisters the song “b” of the specified TNO. 2 to the Group B, moves itto the specified destination, and re-imparts the track numberinformation to all the songs after movement.

Then, as shown in FIG. 8C, the CPU 51 a displays in such a manner thatTNOs given to all the songs when the management information is recordedin the RAM 51 c at the step S21 (which will be referred to as “old TNOs”hereinafter) are associated with TNOs newly given to all the songs aftermoving the specified song (which will be referred to as “new TNOs”hereinafter), and also displays song names of songs corresponding tothese TNOs. Further, the CPU 51 a displays in such a manner that thegroup name information given to an arbitrary song when the managementinformation is recorded in the RAM 51 c at the step S11 (which will bereferred to as an “old Group” hereinafter) is associated with the groupname information given to an arbitrary song after specified movement(which will be referred to as a “new Group” hereinafter) (step S25). Inthe example of FIG. 8C, the new TNOs, the old TNOs, the new Groups, theold Groups and song names are displayed in the order of the numbers ofthe new TNOs. Furthermore, when a user specifies the TNO of a song to bemoved and a destination (logical position) from the input unit 52, forexample, specifies to move the song “d” of the new TNO. 3 belonging tothe Group B to a position before the song “a” of the new TNO. 1belonging to the Group A as shown in, e.g., FIG. 8D, the CPU 51 aexecutes the editing processing at the step S14 and displays the newTNOs, the old TNOs, the new Groups and the old Groups and song names asshown in FIG. 8E. Then, when a user gives, e.g., an eject instructionfrom the input unit 52, the CPU 51 a recognizes it (step S26) andrecords the edited TOC at the innermost circumference part of themagnetic optical disc 20 (step S27).

In this manner, even if the editing processing is repeatedly carriedout, the old TNOs and the old Groups are displayed together with the newTNOs and the new Groups. A user can, therefore, comprehend the state ofthe songs before editing, and can efficiently perform editing withoutbeing confused when carrying out the operation for moving a very largenumber of songs.

Third Embodiment

A third embodiment according to the present invention will now bedescribed with reference to FIGS. 9 to 18. It is to be noted that likereference numerals denote parts common to the first embodiment, therebyomitting their explanation.

In this embodiment, the information editing device according to thepresent invention is applied to the above-described magnetic opticaldisc recording/reproducing device. In the CPU 51 a according to thisembodiment, the editing processing of the TOC in the CPU 51 a and thedisplay processing at the time of that editing are executed. Therefore,the ROM 51 b according to this embodiment stores therein a TOC editingprocessing program and others. Furthermore, in this embodiment, it isassumed that the group management information is included in the TOC asshown in FIG. 2B.

In the example shown in FIG. 2B, the Group A and the Group B areregistered in one Disc. Moreover, the song “a” having the TON 1 giventhereto, the song “b” having the TON 2 given thereto and the song “c”having the TON 3 given thereto belong to the Group A, and the song “d”having the TON 4 given thereto and the song “e” having the TON 5 giventhereto belong to the Group B. In this manner, in the TOC according tothis embodiment, the recorded songs are grouped and managed (groupmanagement). According to such group management, when a user specifiesone song through the input unit 52, he/she can first performspecification for narrowing down the range, for example, specify theGroup A and then further specify the TON 1 which is the track numberinformation belonging to the Group A.

In addition, in the TOC editing processing, when a specified song ismoved, it is possible to edit group management. Here, movement does notmeans that the song data itself recorded on the magnetic optical discchanges the recording position on that disc but means that the tracknumber information given to the track (song) is changed. That is, whenspecial reproduction such as program reproduction or random reproductionis not specified, reproduction is carried out in the order of the tracknumber information (from a small number toward larger numbers). However,it is as if the order of recording the song data is varied due to achange in the track number information. As a result, movement of thetrack (song) in this embodiment means a change in the logical positionof the track (song).

Additionally, in the TOC editing processing, when changing the tracknumber information, there is determined the rule for imparting the tracknumber information (which will be referred to as the “TNO impartingrule” hereinafter), i.e., i) the same track number information is notused for different groups, and ii) the track number information for eachgroup has the continuity increasing from the first number to the lastnumber and a vacant number is admitted.

Description will now be given as to the mode of movement of the track(song) in the TOC editing processing with reference to FIGS. 9 to. 12.FIGS. 9 and 10 show the mode when a song specified by a user is moved toa logical position desired by the user from the structure shown in FIG.2B. A method for specifying a song in this mode is carried out byspecifying the track number information (which can be substituted by asong name) given to that song.

FIG. 9A shows the mode when a song to be moved is specified and thatsong is moved to a specific logical position of an existing (registered)group. In this case, as indicated by an arrow 100 in FIG. 9A, the song“b” (TNO 2) belonging t the Group A is moved to the position rightbehind the song “b” (TNO 4) belonging to the Group B. After movement, asindicated by reference numeral 101 in FIG. 9A, the TNO is re-imparted asthe entire Groups A and B in accordance with the TNO imparting rule.That is, when the order of songs is determined as “d”, “b” and “e”, theTNO is given in such a manner that the number increases in that order.As an example of how such a mode is used, there is a case that the groupof the song “b” is changed to an existing group and the song “b” shouldbe reproduced immediately after the song “d” in that group.Incidentally, as indicated by reference numeral 102 in FIG. 9A, the TNOmay be re-imparted only in the Group B in accordance with the TNOimparting rule.

FIG. 9B shows a mode in which a song to be moved is specified, new groupname information is given to that song, and that song is moved to aspecific logical position between the existing groups. In this case, asindicated by an arrow 103 in FIG, 9B, a new Group C is given to the song“b” (TNO 2) belonging to the Group A, and that song is moved to aposition right after the song “c” (TNO 3) of the Group A. Aftermovement, as indicated by reference numeral 104 in FIG. 9B, the TNO isre-imparted as the entire Groups A, B and C in accordance with the TNOimparting rule. As an example of how such a mode is used, there is acase that a group of the song “b” is newly created and that song “b”should be reproduced immediately after the song of the Group “A”. Also,there is a case that when a song is moved while confirming the borderbetween the groups, that song happens to be moved to the border. Asdescribed above, when the song “b” (TNO 2) is moved to a position rightbehind the song “c” (TNO 3), the relationship in greatness between thesongs “c”, “b” and “d” is “c”<“b”<“d” according to the TNO impartingrule. Incidentally, when the TNO imparting rule is satisfied, the TNO isre-imparted only in the Groups B and C as indicated by reference numeral105 in FIG. 9B.

FIG. 9C shows a mode that a song to be moved is specified, new groupname information is given to that song, and that song is moved to aspecific logical position in an existing group. In this case, asindicated by an arrow 106 in FIG. 9C, a new Group C is given to the song“b” (TNO 2) belonging to the Group A, and that song is moved to aposition right after the song “d” (TNO 4) belonging to the Group B.However, since this requires a group to be provided in the group, whichresults a structure having a plurality of group layers.

In such a structure having a plurality of group layers, a user mustmemorize that structure, and it takes a time to specify a desired songin this structure, which is not preferable. In such a case, therefore,as indicated by reference numeral 107 in FIG. 9C, the Group B isautomatically divided into the Group B and the Group D, and the song “d”(TNO 4) remains to belong to the Group B. Further, the new Group D isgiven to the song “e” (TNO 5) (such automatic division will be referredto as the “division rule” hereinafter). Furthermore, in accordance withthe TNO imparting rule, the TNO is re-imparted to the entire Groups A,B, C and D. As an example of how such a mode is used, there is a casethat a high value is attached to the order of songs rather than thegroup property. Incidentally, although the group must be structurallydivided in this manner, the same name can be used for the respectivedivided groups. Moreover, in accordance with the TNO imparting rule, asindicated by reference numeral 108 in FIG. 9C, the TNO may bere-imparted only in the Groups B, C and D.

FIG. 10A shows a mode in which a song to be moved is specified and thatsong is moved to a specific logical position between the existing groupswithout being group-managed. In this case, as indicated by an arrow 109in FIG. 10A, the song “b” (TNO 2) belonging to the Group A is no longerunder group management, and that song is moved to a position right afterthe song “c” (TNO 3) belonging to the Group A. After movement, asindicated by reference numeral 110 in FIG. 10A, the TNO is re-impartedto the entire Groups A, B and C including songs which are not undergroup management in accordance with the TNO imparting rule. In thiscase, as similar to the mode illustrated in FIG. 9B, the relationship ofgreatness of the respective TNOs between the songs “c”, “b” and “d”becomes “c”<“b”<“d” in accordance with the TNO imparting rule. Moreover,in accordance with the TNO imparting rule, as indicated by referencenumeral 111 in FIG. 10A, the TNO can be re-imparted to the groups exceptthe Group A.

FIG. 10B shows a mode that a song to be moved is specified and that songis moved to a specific logical position in the existing group withoutbeing group-managed. In this case, as indicated by an arrow 112 in FIG.10B, the song “b” (TNO 2) belonging to the Group A is no longer undergroup management, and that song is moved to a position right after thesong “d” (TNO 4) belonging to the Group B. In this case, as similar tothe mode shown in FIG. 9C, as designated by reference numeral 113 shownin FIG. 10B, the Group B is divided into the Group B and the Group Cbased on the division rule, and the song “d” (TNO 4) remains to belongto the Group B, and the Group C is newly imparted to the song “e” (TNO5). In addition, in accordance with the TNO imparting rule, the TNO isre-imparted to the entire Groups A, B and C including the songs whichare not under group management. Incidentally, in this case, although thegroup must be structurally divided, the respective divided groups canuse the same name. Additionally, in accordance with the TNO impartingrule, as designated by reference numeral 114 shown in FIG. 10B, the TNOmay be re-imparted to the groups except the Group A.

FIG. 10C shows a mode in which a song to be moved is specified and thatsong is moved into the existing group. In the modes shown in FIGS. 9A to10E, a user arbitrarily specifies a logical position to which the songis moved. However, the mode illustrated in FIG. 10C is different fromthe former modes in that a user specifies only group name information ofa destination but does not specify a specific logical positioninside/outside the group. In this case, as designated by an arrow 115 inFIG. 10C, the song “b” (TNO 2) belonging to the Group A is moved to aposition in the Group B. Here, a rule for ordering songs in the group(which will be referred to as the “ordering rule” hereinafter) isdetermined in advance, and a logical position in the Group B to whichthe song is moved is determined in accordance with that ordering rule.In the example designated by reference numeral 116 shown in FIG. 10C,the song names are ordered in accordance with the alphabetic order, andthe TNO is re-imparted to the entire Groups A and B in accordance withthe TNO imparting rule. Incidentally, as designated by reference numeral117 in FIG. 10C, in accordance with the TNO imparting rule, the TNO maybe re-imparted only in the Group B.

FIGS. 11 and 12 show a mode in which a group specified by a user ismoved to a logical position desired by the user from the structuredepicted in FIG. 11A. In this mode, a group is specified by designatingthe group name information given to that group. In this manner, bysetting a target of movement to the entire group, a number of operationscan be reduced when moving a large number of songs as compared with themodes illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10 in which songs (for example, tracknumber information) are specified.

FIG. 11B shows a mode in which a group to be moved is specified andsongs included in that group are moved into the existing group. In thiscase, as indicated by an arrow 118 in FIG. 11B, the song “a” (TNO 1)belonging to the Group A and the song “b” (TNO 2) belonging to the sameare all moved into the Group C. Here, as similar to the mode depicted inFIG. 10C, the ordering rule is previously determined, and logicalpositions in the Group C to which the songs are moved are determined inaccordance with the ordering rule. As an example of how such a mode isused, there is a case that al the songs belonging to the group named “A”are incorporated into the existing group. Incidentally, as designated byreference numeral 120 in FIG. 11B, the TNO may be re-imparted only inthe Group C in accordance with the TNO imparting rule.

FIG. 11C shows a mode in which a group to be moved is specified, thatgroup is changed to a new group and moved to a specific logical positionbetween the existing groups. In this case, as indicated by an arrow 121in FIG. 11C, the Group A is changed to a new Group D and moved to aposition immediately after the Group B. After movement, as designated byreference numeral 122 in FIG. 11C, the TNO is re-imparted as the entireGroups B. C. and D in accordance with the TNO imparting rule.Incidentally, as designated by reference numeral 123 in FIG. 11C, theTNO may be re-imparted only in the Groups C and D in accordance with theTNO imparting rule.

FIG. 12A shows a mode in which a group to be moved is specified andmoved to a specific logical position between the existing groups withoutgroup-managing the songs belonging to that group. In this case, asindicated by an arrow 124 shown in FIG. 12A, the song “a” (TNO 1)belonging to the Groups A and the song “b” (TNO 2) belonging to the sameare no longer under group management, and they are moved to positionsimmediately after the song “d” (TNO 4) belonging to the Group B. Aftermovement, as designated by reference numeral 125 shown in FIG. 12A, theTNO is re-imparted as the entire Groups B and C including the songswhich are not under group management in accordance with the TNOimparting rule. In this case, as similar to the modes illustrated inFIGS. 9B and 10A, the relationship of greatness of the TNO between thesongs “d”, “a”, “b” and “c” becomes “d”<“a”<“b”<“c” in accordance withthe TNO imparting rule. Further, as designated by reference numeral 126shown in FIG. 12A, the TNO may be re-imparted to the groups except theGroup B in accordance with the TNO imparting rule.

FIG. 12B shows a mode in which a group to be moved is specified andmoved to a specific logical position in the existing group withoutgroup-managing the songs belonging to that group. In this case, asindicated by an arrow 127 shown in FIG. 12B, the song “a” (TNO 1)belonging to the Group A and the song “b” (TNO 2) belonging to the sameare no longer under group management, and they are moved to positionsimmediately after the song “c” (TNO 3) belonging to the Group B. In thiscase, based on the division rule as similar to the modes depicted inFIGS. 9C and 10B, as indicated by an arrow 128 shown in FIG. 12B, theGroup B is divided into the Group B and the Group D, and the song “c”(TNO 3) remains to belong to the Group B. Further, the Group D is newlyimparted to the song “d” (TNO 4), and the TNO is re-imparted as theentire Groups B, C and D including the songs which are not under groupmanagement in accordance with the TNO imparting rule. Incidentally, asdesignated by reference numeral 129 in FIG. 12B, the TNO may bere-imparted to the groups except the Group B in accordance with the TNOimparting rule.

FIG. 12C shows a mode in which a group to be moved is specified and thatgroup is moved to a specific logical position between the existinggroups. In this case, as indicated by an arrow 130 in FIG. 12C, theGroup A is moved to a position immediately after the Group B. Aftermovement, as designated by reference numeral 131 in FIG. 12C, the TNO isre-imparted as the entire Groups A, B and C in accordance with the TNOimparting rule. Incidentally, in accordance with the TNO imparting rule,the TNO may be re-imparted to the groups except the Group B asdesignated by reference numeral 132 in FIG. 12C.

Description will now be given as to a mode of grouping tracks (songs)with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14. FIGS. 13A to 13D show modes in whichthe group name information is given to a plurality of songs which arenot under group management as shown in FIG. 13A. In this case, theGroups A, B and C are first newly created (FIG. 13B). Then, the Group Ais given to a song “aa” (TNO 1) and a song “ab” (TNO 7); the Groups B, asong “ba” (TNO 6), a song “bb” (TNO 4) and a song “bc” (TNO 3); and theGroup C, a song “ca” (TNO 5) and a song “cb” (TNO 2), respectively (FIG.13C).

It is desirable to give the group name information (registration to eachgroup) in accordance with a purpose of grouping. For example, whengrouping tracks alphabetically, the group name information such as theGroup A, the Group B and Group C is created, and each song is registeredin the group in accordance with its song name. Furthermore, as similarto the modes shown in FIGS. 10C and 11B, the ordering rule for songs inthe group is previously set, and a logical position in each group towhich each song is moved is determined in accordance with the orderingrule. In the example shown in FIG. 13C, the song names arealphabetically ordered. Then, as shown in FIG. 13D, the TNO isre-imparted as the entire Groups A, B and C in accordance with the TNOimparting rule. Incidentally, besides alphabetical grouping, there is amethod for grouping in accordance with the Japanese syllabary or eachkeyword.

FIGS. 14A to 14D show a mode for integrating a plurality of groups suchas illustrated in FIG. 14A into some groups. In this case, the Group A1and the Group A2 are integrated into the Group A, and the Group B1 andthe Group B2 are integrated into the Group B (FIG. 14B). As a result,the song “aa” (TNO 1), the song “ab” (TNO 2), the song “bc” (TNO 5), thesong “ca” (TNO 6) belong to the Group A, and the song “ba” (TNO 3), thesong “bb” (TNO 4) and the song “cb” (TNO 7) belong to the Group B (FIG.14C). Here, as to groups to be integrated, a case where a user selects aplurality of groups or a case where similar names (including the samename) are automatically integrated can be considered. Althoughintegration of two groups is similar to the mode described in connectionwith FIG. 11B, this mode is effective when a number of groups to beintegrated is large as 3 or 4.

A destination logical position in each group is similar to the modeshown in FIG. 13. Further, in this mode, since the TNO imparting rule issatisfied as designated by reference numeral 133 in FIG. 14D, the TNOmay not be re-imparted. As designated by reference numeral 134 in FIG.14D, however, the TNO can be re-imparted as the entire Groups A and B.This shows a mode of movement to a logical position desired by a user.In this mode, a song is specified by designating track numberinformation (this can be substituted by a song name) given to that song.

In the mode of grouping tracks (songs) shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, forexample, when dubbing from a CD to an MD without issuing a groupmanagement instruction in the initial stage, only the track numberinformation is given to each song. However, when there are may songswhich are not under group management, the burden on a user can bereduced by automatically performing grouping.

Description will now be given as to TOC editing processing by the CPU 51a with reference to FIGS. 15 to 18. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a TOCediting processing routine when moving tracks (songs) in FIGS. 9A to 9Cand FIGS. 10A and 10B. Incidentally, processing at parts with notationFIGS. 9A to 10B corresponds to processing in the mode shown in eachcorresponding drawing.

In the TOC editing processing shown in FIG. 15, the CPU 51 a first readsthe TOC from the magnetic optical disc 20 and temporarily stores it inthe RAM 51 c. Then, the CPU 51 a enters the standby mode to wait for asong movement (MOVE) instruction from the input portion 52 (step S21).In this state, for example, a user sees the display content in thedisplay portion 53 and operates the input unit 52 to set (specify) theTNO (track number information) of a song as a target of MOVE (movement).Then, the CPU 51 a recognize it and proceeds to the step S2.

At the step S22, the CPU 51 a waits for an instruction from the inputunit 52, and determines whether the instruction inputted by the user isan instruction for group-managing the set song. If it is determined thatit is the instruction for group management, the CPU 51 a advances to thestep S23. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is not theinstruction for group management, the CPU 51 a proceeds to the step S26.

At the step S23, the CPU 51 a waits for the instruction from the inputunit 52, and determines whether the instruction inputted by the user isan instruction for incorporating (moving) the set song into the existinggroup. If it is determined that it is the instruction for incorporating(moving) into the existing group, the CPU 51 a receives a position(logical position) instruction of a destination of the song from theinput unit 52 by the user, stores the destination position in the RAM 51c (step S24), and advances to the step S29. Here, for example, when thefirst song having the TNO 1 given thereto should be moved to a positionafter the third song, an instruction is issued in order to change theTON 1 to TON 4. Further, if a screen of the display portion 53 is large,a plurality of song names may be displayed so that movement can becarried out while visually confirming only the song names. At any rate,the moving method differs depending on sizes and types of the device. Acommon point is that the TNO is changed during movement only when thechange is enabled in the system controller of the device, and theinformation recorded on the disc is not rewritten.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the instruction is not onefor incorporation into the existing group, the CPU 51 a execute theprocessing for registering a new group, namely, creates group managementinformation (step S25), and advances to the step S26.

At the step S26, the CPU 51 a likewise receives the position instructionof a destination of the song from the input unit 52 by the user, storesthe destination position in the RAM 51 c (step S26), and proceeds to thestep S27.

At the step S27, the CPU 51 a determines whether the destinationposition of the set song is included in the existing group (step S27).If it is determined that it is not included in the existing group, theCPU 51 a proceeds to the step S29 On the other hand, if it is determinedthat it is included in the existing group, the CPU 51 a executes theprocessing for dividing the destination group into a plurality of groupsbased on the division rule (step S28), and advances to the step S29.

At the step S29, the CPU 51 a executes the MOVE (movement) processingwith respect to the set song Then, the CPU 51 a executes the TNO (tracknumber information) imparting processing (re-imparting) with respect toall the songs as described in connection with FIGS. 9 and 10 (step S30),creates new TOC (step S31), and executes the TOC editing processing.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the TOC editing processing routine whentracks (songs) are moved in FIGS. 9B to 9C and FIGS. 10A to 10C.Although this flowchart is substantially similar to that illustrated inFIG. 15, the group name information as a destination of a set song isstored in the RAM 51 c (step S44) in place of storing a destinationposition of a set song in the RAM 51 c at the step S24 in FIG. 15. Thatis, when moving a track (song) in FIG. 10C, this processing is executed.At the step S44, a user must input the group name information of adestination of a set song from the input unit 52. Incidentally, a rulefor ordering songs in the group is previously set and a logical positionin the group to which the song is moved is determined in accordance withthe ordering rule, as mentioned above.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the TOC editing processing routine whenmoving a track (song) in FIGS. 11B and 11C and FIGS. 12A to 12C. It isto be noted that the processing at parts with notation FIGS. 11B to 12Ccorresponds to the processing in the mode in each corresponding drawing.

In the TOC editing processing shown in FIG. 17, the CPU 51 a first readsthe TOC from the magnetic optical disc 20 and temporarily stores it inthe RAM 51 c. Then, the CPU 51 a reads the TOC from the magnetic opticaldisc 20 and temporarily stores it in the RAM 51 c. Subsequently, the CPU51 a enters the standby mode to wait for a group movement (MOVE)instruction (step S61). In this state, for example, a user sees thedisplay content in the display portion 53 and operates the input portion52 to set (specify) the group name information for MOVE (movement).Then, the CPU 51 a recognizes it and proceeds to the step S62.

At the step S62, the CPU 51 a waits for an instruction from the inputunit 52 and determines whether the instruction inputted by the user isan instruction for group-managing songs belonging to the set group. Ifit is determined that it is the instruction for group management, theCPU 51 a advances to the step S63.

At the step S63, the CPU 51 a waits for an instruction from the inputunit 52, and determines whether the instruction inputted by a user is aninstruction for incorporating a song belonging to the set group into anexisting group. If it is determined that it is the instruction forincorporating into the existing group, the CPU 51 a further receives aninstruction of a destination group from the input portion 52 by theuser, stores its group name information in the RAM 51 c (step S64), andproceeds to the step S73. On the other hand, if it is determined that itis not the instruction-for incorporating into the existing group, theCPU 51 a waits for an instruction from the input portion 52, anddetermines whether the instruction inputted by the user is aninstruction for registering a song belonging to the set group as a newgroup (step S65). If it is determined that it is not the instruction forregistering as a new group, the CPU 51 a further receives a destinationposition instruction of the set group from the input portion 52 by theuser, stores its group name information in the RAM 51 c (step S66), andadvances to the step S73.

On the other hand, at the step S65, if it is determined that it is theinstruction for registering as a new group, the CPU 51 a executes thenew group registration processing, namely, creates the group managementinformation (step S67). Then, the CPU 51 a receives a destinationposition instruction of the new group from the input portion 52 by theuser, stores its group management information in the RAM 51 c (stepS68), and proceeds to the step S73.

At the step S73, the MOVE (movement) processing is executed to the setgroup or the new group, thereafter advancing to the step S74.

On the other hand, if it is determined that it is not the instructionfor performing group management, the CPU 51 a receives a destinationposition instruction for each song belonging to the set group, andstores each position in the RAM 51 a (step S69). Furthermore, the CPU 51a determines whether a destination position of each song is included inthe existing group (step S70). If it is determined that it is notincluded in the existing group, the CPU 51 a proceeds to the step S72.On the other hand, if it is determined that it is included in theexisting group, the CPU 51 a executes processing for dividing thedestination group into a plurality of groups based on the division rule(step S71). Then the CPU 51 a executes the MOVE (movement) processingwith respect to each song, and proceeds to the step S74.

At the step S74, the CPU 51 a executes the TNO (track numberinformation) imparting processing (re-imparting) with respect to all thesongs, creates new TOC (step S75) and terminates the TOC editingprocessing.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the TOC editing processing routine whenperforming grouping of tracks (songs) in FIGS. 13 and 14. Incidentally,in FIG. 18, processing at parts with notation FIGS. 13B to 13D and FIGS.14B to 14D means processing in the mode in each corresponding drawings.Additionally, in FIG. 18, processing at a part with notation FIG. 14D(133) means processing in the mode denoted by reference numeral 133 inFIG. 14D.

In the TOC editing processing illustrated in FIG. 18, the CPU 51 a firstdeter-mines whether the group (group management information) has beenalready registered in the TOC (step S81). If it is determined that thegroup has been already registered, the CPU 51 a advances to the stepS82. On the other hand, if it is determined that the group has not beenregistered, the CPU 51 a proceeds to the step S84.

At the step S82, the CPU 51 a waits for an instruction from the inputunit 52 and determines whether the inputted instruction is aninstruction for registering a new group. If it is determined that it isthe instruction for registering the new group, the CPU 51 a executes thenew group registration processing (step S83) and advances to the stepS86. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is not theinstruction for registering the new group, the CPU 51 a terminates theTOC editing processing.

At the step S84, the CPU 51 a waits for an instruction from the inputunit 52 and determines whether the inputted instruction is aninstruction for integrating the existing groups. If it is determinedthat it is the instruction for integrating the existing groups, the CPU51 a executes the group integration processing (step S85) and advancesto the step S86. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is notthe instruction for integrating the existing groups, the CPU 51 aterminates the TOC editing processing.

At the step S86, the processing for registering songs to each group isexecuted, namely, the group management information is created. Judgmentin made upon whether the registration processing for all the songs iscompleted (step S87), If the processing for registering all the songs iscompleted, the CPU 51 a executes the TNO (track number information)imparting processing (re-imparting) (step S88), creates new TOC (stepS89) and terminates the TOC editing processing.

Incidentally, in FIGS. 15 to 18, various instructions from the inputportion 52 collectively mean the editing instruction.

As described above, according to this embodiment, by determining the TONimparting rule, the ordering rule, the division rule or thecorrespondence relationship between the track number information and thegroup management information, the track number information can beautomatically imparted or changed, the order of songs can be chanced orthe group can be divided so as to satisfy any other rule or the likewhen editing the reproduction order of songs or editing the registration(allocation) to the group, thereby reducing the operation loads to auser.

Fourth Embodiment

A fourth embodiment according to the present invention will now bedescribed with reference to FIGS. 19 and 20. It is to be noted that likereference numerals denote parts common to the first embodiment, therebyomitting their explanation.

In this embodiment, the information recording device according to thepresent invention is applied to the magnetic optical discrecording/reproducing device mentioned above. The CPU 51 a according tothis embodiment has a function as information imparting device in thepresent invention. When recording information onto the magnetic opticaldisc 20, this function executes the processing for imparting the TOC tothe track or editing the imparted TOC (TOC imparting/editingprocessing). Further, the TOC is recorded at the innermost circumferencepart of the magnetic optical disc when the magnetic optical disc 20 istaken out from the magnetic optical disc recording/reproducing device100. A TOC imparting/editing processing program or the like is stored inthe ROM 51 b.

In the magnetic optical disc recording/reproducing device as theinformation recording device according to this embodiment having such astructure as shown in FIG. 1, at the time of the information recordingoperation of the magnetic optical disc recording/reproducing device 100,an input signal (for example, a song reproduced from a CD reproducingdevice, or AM or FM broadcast) inputted to the input portion 14 issupplied to the data compression encoder/decoder 13, and the datacompression encoding processing is performed. Then, based on aninstruction of the system controller 10, its song data is temporarilywritten in the DRAM by the DRAM control circuit 11. Furthermore, with apredetermined timing, the song data is read and supplied to the EFMencoder/decoder 9, and the encoding processing such as EFM modulation isperformed by the EFM encoder/decoder 9. Then, the processed data issupplied to the head drive circuit 5. Moreover, a magnetic head drivesignal is supplied to the magnetic head 3 by the head drive circuit 5 inaccordance with the compression data subjected to the encodingprocessing. At the same time, an output of the laser diode of theoptical pickup 2 is increased and the magnetic film of the magneticoptical disc 20 is heated to the Curie temperature or a hightemperature, thereby recording the song data on the magnetic opticaldisc 20. In addition, at this moment, the servo control circuit 8carries out the servo control based on an instruction from the systemcontroller 51.

When the information (song) is recorded on the magnetic optical disc 20,the system controller 51 executes the TOC imparting/editing processingwhich is a characteristic part of the present invention. The TOCimparting/editing processing will now be described in detailhereinafter.

In this embodiment, it is assumed that the group management informationis included in the TOC as shown in FIG. 2B.

In the example of FIG. 2B, the Group A and the Group B are registered inone Disc. Additionally, a song “a” having the TON 1 imparted thereto, asong “b” having the TON 2 imparted thereto and a song “c” having the TON3 imparted thereto belong to the Group A, and a song “d” having the TON4 imparted thereto and a song “e” having the TON 5 imparted theretobelong to the Group B. As described above, in the TOC according to thisembodiment, recorded songs are grouped and managed (which will bereferred to as “group management” hereinafter). According to such groupmanagement, for example, in case of reproduction, when a user specifiesone song through the input unit 52, he/she can perform narrowing-downspecification. For example, the user can first specify the Group A andthen specify the TON 1 as the track number information belonging to theGroup A. Furthermore, in case of reproducing such a disc, when a specialreproduction method such as program reproduction or random reproductionis not specified, songs are reproduced in the order of the track numberinformation (from a small number toward the larger numbers).

Moreover, in the TOC imparting/editing processing, every time one track(song) is recorded, the track number information or the group nameinformation can be imparted to that track. In addition, after impartingthe track number information or the group name information, the tracknumber information can be automatically changed or editing for groupingcan be carried out.

Here, in the TOC imparting editing processing, when changing the tracknumber information, there is determined the rule for imparting the tracknumber information (which will be referred to as the “TNO impartingrule” hereinafter), i.e., i) the same track number information is notused for different groups, and ii) the track number information for eachgroup has the continuity increasing from the first number to the lastnumber and a vacant number is admitted,

Description will now be given as to the TOC imparting/editing processingwhen, for example, a song outputted from the CD reproducing device andinputted to the magnetic optical disc recording/reproducing device 100is dubbed to the magnetic optical disc 20 with reference to FIGS. 19 and20. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the TOC imparting editing processingroutine. FIGS. 20 show examples illustrating how the logical structureof the TOC is changed in the TOC imparting editing processing.

When a user first operates the input unit 52 and inputs a recordinginstruction, the CPU 51 a recognizes it (step S91), starts informationrecording control of each constituent part of the magnetic optical discrecording/reproducing device 100, reads the TOC from the magneticoptical disc 20 and temporarily stores it in the RAM 51 c. Then, when asong outputted from the CD reproducing device is inputted to the DRAMcontrol circuit 11 through the input portion 14 and the data compressionencoder/decoder, the CPU 51 a recognizes it, imparts the track numberinformation to that song (track) (step S92), stores it in the RAM 51 cand proceeds to the step S93.

At the step S93, the CPU 51 a determines whether there is switching(changing) of songs (tracks). That is, it determines whether theinputted song is switched to a next song. Although this is carried outby detecting a change in the track number outputted from the CDreproducing device or detecting a predetermined unoccupied time betweensongs, a user may input a switching instruction. When it is determinedthat there is no switching, the CPU 51 a proceeds to the step S94. Onthe other hand, when it is determined that there is switching, the tracknumber information is given to that song (track).

At the step S94, the CPU 51 a determines whether there is a groupregistration instruction from the input unit 52 by a user to a song(track) which is in the recording process. When a user inputs this groupregistration instruction from the input unit 52, he/she specifies eitherthe group name information already existing in the TOC (which will bereferred to as the “existing group name information” hereinafter) or thenew (set in the ROM 51 b or the like in advance) group name information(which will be referred to as the “new group name information”hereinafter). As to this specification, for example, in case of theexisting group name information, the existing group name information isdisplayed in the display unit 53 so that it can be selected by the inputunit 52. In case of the new group name information, the new group nameinformation can be inputted from the input unit 52. Incidentally, incase of specification of the new group name information, for example,numerical figures such as ten keys of the input unit 52 may be given asthe new group name information for the meantime, and these figures maybe changed to a genre name or the like after recording.

If it is determined that there is the group registration instruction atthe step S94, the CPU 51 a advances to the step S95. On the other hand,if it is determined that there is no group registration instruction, theCPU 51 a proceeds to the step S98.

At the step S95, the CPU 51 a determines whether registration to theexisting group, namely, the existing group name information isspecified. If it is determined that registration to the existing groupis specified, the CPU 51 a imparts the specified existing group nameinformation to that song (track) (step S96) and stores it in the RAM 51c. As a result, a user can collectively manage the newly recorded song(track) and the already recorded song (track) after recording. On theother hand, if it is determined that registration to the existing groupis not specified, the CPU 51 a imparts the new group name information tothat song (track) (step S97) and stores it in the RAM 51 c. As a result,a user can manage the newly recorded song (track) and the alreadyrecorded song (track) separately from each other.

Then, when a user inputs a name for the song (track) which is beingrecorded by operating the input unit 52, the CPU 51 a recognizes it(step S98) and registers the name with respect to that song (track)(step S99).

Subsequently, the CPU 51 a repeatedly executes the processing at thesteps S92 to S99 until it receives a recording termination instructionfrom the input portion 52 or a recording termination instruction byprogram recording (step S100). That is, as described above, every timethe song (track) is switched, the track number information isautomatically imparted, and the group name information is arbitrarilygiven by a user. FIG. 20A shows an example of the logical structure ofthe TOC after the track number information and the group nameinformation are given to songs (tracks). In the example of FIG. 20A,songs are recorded from the left side toward the right side, and thetrack number information (TON 1, TON 2, . . . ) is given to each song(track) in the order of recording. Further, the group name information(Group 3, Group 2, . . . ) is given to each song (track).

Subsequently, at the step S101, the CPU 51 a carries out groupingediting in such a manner that songs (tracks) having the same impartedgroup information form one group. FIG. 20B shows an example of thelogical structure of the TOC after grouping editing. In the example ofFIG. 20B, grouping editing is carried out in the order of Group 1, Group2 and Group 3. For instance, a song “bb” (TON 4), a song “ba” (TON 6)and a song “ab” (TON 7) belong to the Group 1. Furthermore, the order ofrecorded songs is changed by this grouping editing (the order of TON 1,TON 2, . . . is changed to the order of TON 4, TON 6, . . . ). Moreover,in grouping editing, the order of groups can be arbitrarily set by auser from the input portion 52 (for example, it can be set to thealphabetic order). In addition, if the track number information given toeach song remains the initial state, when reproducing in the order oftrack numbers (without specifying a special reproduction method), groupsare reproduced in disorder.

Subsequently, at the step S102, the CPU 51 a changes the track numberinformation given to each song (track) based on this grouping editing(step S102). That is, the CPU 51 a re-imparts the track numberinformation to all the songs (tracks) based on the TNO imparting rule.FIG. 20C shows an example of the logical structure of the TOC afterre-imparting the track number information. As shown in FIG. 20C, thetrack number information is given in the order of songs (tracks) afterchange by grouping editing. In this manner, new TOC is created by theCPU 51 a (step S103), and this is eventually recorded at the innermostcircumference part of the optical disc 20.

As mentioned above, according to this embodiment, the track numberinformation and the group name information can be easily imparted everytime one song is dubbed. Upon completion of dubbing, songs can becollected for each group and grouped, and the track number informationcan be automatically re-imparted based on this grouping. Therefore, auser does not need to determine the order of songs to be recorded inadvance when dubbing. Accordingly, editing is automatically carried outin the desired order of songs even if a user has recorded songs in anyorder, thereby reducing the operation loads to the user.

Additionally, a user can arbitrarily edit the TOC created in theabove-described manner after recording. For example, movement orreshuffle of the group name information or the track number informationis possible. Therefore, since the reproduction order in units of genreor the reproduction order of songs can be easily changed, thusefficiently managing the songs.

Incidentally, above has described the case where the informationdisplaying/reproducing device, the information editing device and theinformation recording device according to the present invention areapplied to the magnetic optical disc recording/reproducing device ineach of the foregoing embodiments. However, they can be applied to arecording/reproducing device for an information storage medium such asan MD, a CD, a DVD or an LD, or an all-in-one audio device capable ofusing a plurality of such information storage mediums, or an in-vehicleaudio device.

The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departingfrom the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The presentembodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects asillustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention beingindicated by the appended claims rather than by the forgoing descriptionand all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalencyof the claims are therefore intended to be embraces therein.

The entire disclosures of Japanese Patent Application No. 2000-357767filed on Nov. 24, 2000, Japanese Patent Application No. 2000-357768filed on Nov. 24, 2000, Japanese Patent Application No. 2000-357770filed on Nov. 24, 2000, and Japanese Patent Application No. 2000-357771filed on Nov. 24, 2000 including the specification, claims, diagrams andsummary is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

1. An information displaying apparatus comprising: a reading device forreading management information from an information storage medium havingsaid management information recorded thereon, said managementinformation including track number information imparted to at least onetrack and group management information for managing, as a selectiverecording information, one or a plurality of tracks as one group; adisplaying device for displaying said read management information; and adisplay controlling device for determining whether said group managementinformation is recorded on said information storage medium, changing adisplay mode depending on a case where said group management informationis recorded and a case where it is not recorded, and displaying it insaid displaying device, wherein when it is determined that said groupmanagement information is recorded on said information storage medium,said display controlling device creates a list of group informationrecorded on said information storage medium and displays it in saiddisplaying device, and wherein each respective group information in thedisplayed list is displayed together with a number indicative ofreproduction order.
 2. The information displaying apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein when it is determined that said group managementinformation is not recorded on said information storage medium, saiddisplay controlling device immediately displays said track numberinformation recorded on said information storage medium in saiddisplaying device.
 3. An information displaying apparatus comprising: areading device for reading management information from an informationstorage medium having said management information recorded thereon, saidmanagement information including track number information imparted to atleast one track and group management information for managing, as aselective recording information, one or a plurality of tracks as onegroup; a displaying device for displaying said read managementinformation; and a display controlling device for determining whethersaid group management information is recorded on said informationstorage medium, changing a display mode depending on a case where saidgroup management information is recorded and a case where it is notrecorded, and displaying it in said displaying device, wherein when itis determined that said group management information is recorded on saidinformation storage medium, said display controlling device creates alist of group information recorded on said information storage mediumand displays it in said displaying device, and wherein when it isdetermined that other management information used for managing one or aplurality of tracks which are not managed as one group is recorded onsaid information storage medium, said display controlling devicedisplays the other management information together with the list ofgroup information in said displaying device.